![]() ![]() So what are the aspects that make a GDQ event so enticing, and how can they be leveraged in a more standard esports context? GDQ has proven that there is enormous interest in speedrunning within the proper context, but no non-charity event or speedrunning competition has come close to capturing that same energy or platform-wide viewership. Outside of these tentpole events, however, speedrunning is largely relegated to a niche audience on streaming platforms. ![]() The Games Done Quick charity marathons routinely top the Twitch charts multiple times per year. To be fair, quite a lot of people watch speedrunning. In short, speedrunning is awesome and more people should watch it. To watch a current world record run of any Super Mario title is to watch someone not only display their own unbelievable talent, but to discover how they’ve built upon years of experience from those who came before. It’s a unique experience that combines true mastery of technical skill with hours upon hours of research, study, and experimentation. Watching a speedrun of a game you’ve played is like experiencing that moment 10 times per minute for the entire duration of a run. Turns out you and your friends were playing checkers in the sandbox while these other nerds were playing 4D chess in space. Then you play someone who actually understands spacing, grabs, punishes when you dash attack their shield, and you get utterly obliterated. ![]() You’re confident in having figured out the game well enough to challenge anyone. Beating your buddies at the game isn’t even a challenge. You’re the best in your little friend group at Super Smash Bros. There’s a universal moment many gamers have experienced. ![]()
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